The Book of Revelation is a difficult book to understand. Misunderstandings have caused a lot of grief throughout history when people were convinced that it was predicting events in their own time. The book is about how love and light triumph over evil and darkness. Many rich and vibrant symbols and images were used to tell the story. The revelation to John was clear - blessed is the one who reads it aloud and keeps the words written in it. In other words, allow it to feed your mind and heart, refresh your imagination, and inspire you to lead a holy and faithful life. It is a call to commitment. Very simple - no hidden secrets or predictions of the future.

Sometimes we see clearly in a different way - without physical sight. The blind man at Jericho knew who Jesus was and what he could do. He cried out for mercy and healing in spite of the abuse and shabby treatment from others who tried to silence him. He saw Jesus clearly with the vision of the heart that is enabled by love. His faith and persistence are what healed him. Too often we rely only on outward appearances and fail to listen to the language of the heart. The Lord speaks to us through our inner self - let us learn to listen carefully.